What is Beyond the Trees?

Written by Darrell Owenby | 18 February 2011

Now that the shock has seemed to wear off, at least somewhat, here is a simple take on the poisoning of the oak trees at Toomer's Corner in Auburn, Alabama.

We live in a twisted time. That is for sure.

No matter how fierce a rivalry is ... no matter what is said ... there has to be ... must be ... a line that is not crossed.

If you have no clue what I am talking about at this point, just google Toomer's Corner trees poisoning ... and brush up on your SEC.

Apparently, Harvey Almorn Updyke, Jr of Dadeville, Alabama spread herbicide around the trees at Toomer's Corner.

Now barring a miracle, a 130 year old icon for Auburn University will be, for all intents and purposes, gone.

I am by far not a tree hugger ... at all ... but I do like hiking in the woods ... does that count?

The bottom line is simple ... while, as fans, we do let ourselves do stupid things from time to time ... nothing compares to this one, isolated, act of stupidity. Nothing.

It is my hope and belief that AU fans will rise above this act of stupidity ... and not retaliate in a manner that brings embarrassment to their school in the way Harvey Updyke did to his team ...

Way to go Harvey ... you backwards assed redneck. no comments

SEC West 2011 Football Schedules First Look

Written by Darrell Owenby | 12 February 2011

We take a first, quick look at the 2011 SEC football schedules. Are the schedules once again filled with cream puffs or the creme' de la creme?

Are there any teams that have over loaded their schedules one direction or the other?

Taking a fast glance, what was the Athletic Director at North Texas thinking? Was he thinking with the cash till in mind?

Over all, we have seen better ... much better ... schedules. As a fan of the SEC, be prepared for the fallout that the 2011 season brings to the league.

Yes, the cat-calls will be brutal.
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SEC Football Game of the Week: Florida at Alabama

Written by Brandon Hamblen | 28 September 2010

SEC Game of the Week: Florida Gators at Alabama Crimson Tide

For the past two seasons, the Gators of Florida and the Crimson Tide of Alabama have met in the SEC Championship game, not only to decide the conference champion, but ultimately the national champion as well.

In 2008, the Gators wore down the Crimson Tide as Tim Tebow lead two fourth quarter touchdown drives to punch Florida’s ticket to the national championship game against Oklahoma. In 2009, Alabama turned the tide on Florida, dominating the Gators as no team has in the Urban Meyer era, 32-13. This win put the Crimson Tide in the national championship game against Texas.

This Saturday’s game will not put the Gators or the Crimson Tide into the national championship game, but the winner will control their own destiny not only in the SEC but also in the chase for the BCS championship game. no comments

Alabama Wins the Title, What is next for the SEC in 2010?

Written by Darrell Owenby | 08 January 2010

bcs The Alabama Crimson Tide are your 2009 BCS National Champions ... like anyone believed that Texas truly had a chance. Seriously, the Longhorns? Why not Boise State? The way the National Title Game completed, it may as well been Long Beach State because the end result would not have been any different.

I realize that writing this the day after the game is looking in the rear view mirror; however, I had 'real world' items that took all of my available time ... my friends in the Knoxville market have heard me personally spouting the flowery words of why Bama would win the game by 18 points ... didn't miss it by much.

At the same time, my friends have also heard my rumblings regarding why we need a playoff in college football. It is past time. Like the previous popularity contest that was the AP Poll, the BCS has become another popularity contest. It is time for a change. no comments

Alabama Crimson Tide Rolls the Gators 32-13

Written by Darrell Owenby | 05 December 2009

Photo from fOTOGLIF

Alabama Crimson Tide 32
Florida Gators 13

In what was billed as a game for the ages, the Crimson Tide rolled over the Florida Gators, stepped on their faces, and twisted. From gun to gun, this game was never in question. The Gators entered the SEC Championship Game as five point favorites and are going home spanked. no comments

SEC West Football Predictions 2009

Written by Darrell Owenby | 07 June 2009

Alabama
Ole Miss
LSU
Auburn
Arkansas
Mississippi State

Notes and Ramblings: Keep in mind, the above picks are essentially just a gut feeling after watching as many Spring Games, reading local papers, etc from the previous 45 days. Of course, as the summer progresses, this could change.

Bama: Many people are giving Ole Miss the nod for first in the West. Never discount Nick Saban as a coach. Greg McElroy looked good for @ half of the spring game and then the wheels fell off. McElroy MUST play well for Bama to win this season. The Crimson Tide will be able to run the ball effectively with Mark Ingram and newcomer Trent Richardson. Defensively, expect much of the same as last season. Bama made it to #1 during the regular season last year for the first time in 28 years. It was a young team and was not a fluke.
Ole Miss started 2-2 last year, but finished 9-4. This team covered the spread in 5 of 6 games last year. In fact, the four losses only occurred by a combined 19 points. Houston Nutt has always been able to get teams up for the 'BIG' games when playing as a large underdog: UF last season, OM was a 22 point dog on the road and won 31-30. @ Bama, OM was an 11 point dog and lost 24-20. This team returns 18 starters and will be improved. Whoever wins Oct 10th most likely wins the West.
LSU's fate, like so many other teams in the SEC, rests squarely on their quarterback's shoulders. If Jordan Jefferson can stay healthy, he appears to be the next big stud QB for LSU's future. Running backs Charles Scott and Keiland Williams both return. John Chavis can coach a defense as long as he has players....with the Tigers, he has the players. The schedule could get this team (@ UGA, @ Bama, and @ OM).
Auburn: Most people are done laughing about Gene Chizik's hire. The other people are done laughing about the AU Limo rides. Chizik is not a relative newcomer to the SEC and he did not just fall off of the turnip truck. Sure, his hiring did turn many heads, but he is not a bad coach. Chizik was blessed with being left with a fairly solid team physically....the team simply did not have any offense installed last season. I could be wrong, but I just do not see AU sinking to the West cellar this coming season.
Arkansas: Many people are expecting a much improved Razorback squad this season. In many eyes, the team struggled early last season, but got better as the season went on. This team was not very good last year and I just do not see them being much better this year. Like I said, I could be wrong.
Mississippi State: MSU fans, get your kitchen passes out because Dan Mullen is going to need them for the first two seasons. Yes, the cupboard was left bare for him. Mullen's coaching ability has yet to truly be tested and as the UF OC the past several years, he has shown some predictability. If you are expecting this team to line up and throw it all over the yard, you will be sadly mistaken. Mullen and his staff needs two years minimum to get the wheels back on the cart to even begin to show progress. Can Mullen turn this team around? That's a good question.

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